Bhutan Mountain Bicycling

Tour Notes, Tips, and Guide

• Acclimatization: The first day’s ride around Paro is designed to help you acclimatize to Bhutan’s altitude. Take it easy and stay hydrated.
• Weather: Bhutan’s weather can vary, especially when crossing mountain passes. Pack layers, including rain gear and warmer clothing for higher elevations.
• Support Vehicle: A support vehicle will follow the group at all times for any emergencies, equipment issues, or if you need a break from cycling.
• Biking Gear: Ensure your bike is in good condition. Bring any personal gear you prefer, such as a comfortable saddle, pedals, or helmet. Rental bikes can be arranged if needed.
• Road Conditions: Bhutan’s roads are generally well-maintained, but some sections can be steep or unpaved. Be prepared for mixed terrain.
• Cultural Respect: Bhutan is a deeply spiritual country. When visiting temples and monasteries, dress modestly and follow your guide’s instructions regarding photography and behavior.
• Health Precautions: Carry basic first aid and any personal medications. Altitude sickness is rare at the elevations on this tour, but it’s still good to be aware of the symptoms.
• Photography: Bhutan is incredibly photogenic. However, always ask permission before photographing people, especially monks and in temples.
• Connectivity: Internet and mobile coverage can be limited in rural areas. Let family and friends know you may be out of reach at times.

These notes and tips will help ensure you have a safe, enjoyable, and respectful experience on your Bhutan mountain biking adventure.

Note: A tour vehicle will follow the bicycle group at all times in case of emergency or general weariness   DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO Arrive Paro by Druk Air. Acclimatization ride in and around Paro. The entire Paro valley is relatively flat and is a great start to your first day of bicycling. Overnight Paro.   DAY 02: PARO SIGHTSEEING Morning: Ride to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress 16 kms away from Paro town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. On the way back you'll have an opportunity to visit a typical Bhutanese farm house. Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Bhutan, Rinpung Dzong (fortress). Overnight Paro.   DAY 03: PARO TO THIMPHU After breakfast, either drive or ride bicycles to Thimphu, the capital city. The gradient of the road is excellent for bicycling as there are no steep climbs or descents. Thimphu is 65 km from Paro and takes about 2 hours by car. Afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten (huge stupa), school of arts & crafts, national Library, Nunnery and view point.  Overnight Thimphu.   DAY 04: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING Morning: Bicycle to the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in the country (built in 1629 AD). Opportunity to visit with some of the monks and observe life within the monastery.   Later, visit Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Traditional hospital, hand made paper factory, few temples.  Also visit Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat building. In the late afternoon, bicycle to Pangri Zampa Monastery which is 8 km from Thimphu. Overnight Thimphu.   DAY 05: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA/WANGDI After an early breakfast, set out for Punakha and Wangdi. On the way, stop at Dochula Pass (10,00 ft) for a hot cup of tea/coffee and to enjoy a spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges (on a clear day). From Dochula, bicycle down into Punakha 51 kms down. It is an exhilarating ride. Punakha is 79 km and 3 hours drive from Thimphu.   After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong which houses the district administration offices. It is also the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot, the Je Khenpo.   Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong which is 13 kms from Punakha. This Dzong and the town is perched on a hill, between two rivers and has a spectacular view. It will be a wonderful ride to and fro. Overnight Punakha.   DAY 06: PUNAKHA TO TRONGSA Drive to Trongsa, and on the way you may bicycle certain stretches of the road. The terrain has steep ascents and descents and has some spectacular scenery.  Enroute cross over Pelela pass (3450 m). Trongsa is 140 km from Punakha and takes about 4-5 in car (drive). OvernightTrongsa.   DAY 07: TRONGSA  TO BUMTHANG After breakfast visit the ancient Watch Tower and Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of the present Royal family of Bhutan. In the old days, Dzong served as vigilance point for both the eastern and western trade routes, thus a strategically important Dzong.   After a lunch drive to Bumthang. After crossing a high pass (Yotongla pass 3500 m), you may bicycle all the way to Bumthang. The road is broad and all downhill after the pass. Bumthang is 70 km from Trongsa and takes about 2-3 hours drive. Overnight Bumthang.   DAY 08:  BUMTHANG SIGHTSEEING After breakfast, bicycle around the most beautiful valley in Bhutan. It is possible to bicycle a radius of 60 kms around the valley and visit age old/sacred temples and monasteries viz. Kurjey, Jambay, Tamshing, Jakar Dzong and few other sites like cheese factory and Homeopathic hospital. Overnight  Bumthang.   DAY 09: BUMTHANG TO URA After breakfast bicycle to Ura valley some 51 kms from Bumthang. Ura is another beautiful valley over 9,500 ft high. Enroute stop at Membartso – burning lake. Sightseeing in Ura valley includes visit to Ura Monastery and few village homes. Overnight Ura.   DAY 10: EXCURSION TO UGENCHOLING A feeder road (unpaved road) connects Ugencholing with Bumthang. Ugencholing is 25 km away from Bumthang. Visit Ugencholing palace and village. It is worth riding bike both ways along the same road. Overnight Bumthang.   DAY 11: BUMTHANG TO TRONGSA After breakfast, drive till Tikila pass from where, it is worth to bicycle near to the point of ascend to Yotongla pass. You may opt to either drive or ride from the pass down hill to Trongsa. Overnight Trongsa.   DAY 12: TRONGSA TO GANGTEY (PHOBJIKHA) After breakfast, ride bicycle to Kuengarabten towards south of Trongsa 25 km away. Visit Kuenga Rabten Palace. Drive back to Trongsa for lunch. In the afternoon drive to Gangtey 80 km from Trongsa. Visit Gangtey Monastery. Overnight Phobjikha.   DAY 13: GANGTEY – THIMPHU In the morning explore Phobjikha valley – home to rare Black Necked Cranes in the winter. It is worth riding bikes around the valley for some time. Later, drive to Thimphu 135 km 4-5 hours drive over Dochula pass. After crossing Dochula Pass, you may bicycle all the way to Thimphu (26 kms downhill).  Overnight Thimphu.   DAY 14: THIMPHU – PARO. Free time in the morning to explore the capital city and visit sites missed earlier, if any. After lunch, ride bicycle to Paro or drive. Overnight Paro.   DAY 15: PARO – HIKE TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY After breakfast hike famous Taktsang Monastery perched on the cliff 800 m above Paro valley. Lunch served along the route in the cafeteria. Return Paro in the afternoon. Overnight Paro.   DAY 16: PARO - DEPART. Drive to airport for departure